Health, Eye Care and other related articles

The impact of breast cancer is not only limited to the person suffering from the disease but also profoundly affects the people around them. Approximately one in every eight women will acquire breast cancer within her lifetime. Accordingly, the American Cancer Society signs breast cancer as the second-leading cause of cancer death among women just after lung cancer, and is the leading cause of cancer death among middle aged women. Just in 2009, about 192,370 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer; frightening as these figures may appear, it is important to remember that breast can be prevented if it is diagnosed early.

About five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are identified to have genetic predispositions. Majority are sporadic or do not have any connection with family history. However, the risk of acquiring such illness increases as a woman grows older. Although rare, breast cancer can also affect men most especially those who are between the ages of 60 and 70.

During its initial stages, breast cancer does not present any identifiable symptoms. However, the most common signs breast cancer demonstrate includes lump and cysts formation in or near the breast or in the armpit area, breast changes in shape and size, blood or clear fluid discharge from the nipple, a change in the appearance or feel of breast skin or nipple, and nipple retraction. Once you feel any of these signs, it is best to have an appointment with your doctor. Granting that you might have just passed your mammogram test, it is still recommended to seek immediate medical attention.

The medical society is still unaware of how or why breast cancer develops. What doctors know, however, is that breast cancer occurs when some cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide rapidly than the usual pace of cell division. Hence, the accumulated cells form into a tumor that affects the breast and its surrounding parts.

There are various risks factors that could increase the possibility of acquiring breast cancer. At the moment, it is still not clarified why some people who show no risks at all develop the disease, or why those who are more at risk do not acquire the disease. However, what is conceivable is that the combination of genetic makeup and environment have something to do with the development of breast cancer. Some of the notable risks factors that increases the likeability of developing such condition include being a female, family or personal history of the disease, increasing age, radiation exposure, inherited genes, obesity, and early onset of menstruation, late menopause, having your first child at an older age, alcohol consumption, and receiving postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Generally, breast cancer is a medical condition that can significantly affect not only the person affected but also their families and friends. However, it should be remembered that this disease can be cured through early detection of its signs. It is also best to keep in mind that the signs breast cancer demonstrate are some of the things that should not be taken lightly. As in any medical condition, the old adage prevention is better than cure always applies.